Plane crash probe finds no mechanical defects

An investigation into a plane crash last year near Hallston, in south-east Victoria, has found no evidence of gross mechanical defects or failure.

The light plane crashed into a gully after taking off near Hallston in May last year, killing the pilot.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau found it was likely the plane sustained a partial power loss shortly after take-off, meaning it could not continue climbing or maintain altitude.

While the bureau found no evidence of gross mechanical defects or failure that may have contributed to the accident, the report notes weather conditions at the time could have caused the carburettor to ice over and cut power.

The investigation also found the hilly terrain probably limited the pilot's emergency landing options, increasing the severity of the crash.

It says dumping the full hopper contents when the power cut out could have improved the aircraft performance.